Eben Etzebeth injury: Sharks await further tests as tour squad named

Eben Etzebeth has been left out of the Sharks’ initial European tour squad as the Springbok lock awaits further examination of a lower-limb injury.

JP Pietersen has selected 28 players for the trip, which begins against Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Saturday before United Rugby Championship visits to Cardiff and Munster.

What have Sharks said about Eben Etzebeth?

In their official squad announcement, the Sharks said Etzebeth was “awaiting a further medical examination to determine the extent of the injury”.

The club have not provided a return date or confirmed whether he could join the tour later.

Etzebeth had moved into the starting side against the Stormers, alongside fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker, after featuring from the bench against Leinster.

As RugbyPass reports, the Sharks head overseas following a Stormers defeat that ended their winning start after two home victories.

Pietersen’s initial travelling party contains 17 forwards and 11 backs. The Sharks expect reinforcements during the trip, including Springboks currently completing mandatory rest.

Makazole Mapimpi, who has a hamstring injury, and Phepsi Buthelezi, who has a shoulder problem, also feature on the club’s injury list.